Choosing the Right Door for Your Home: What You Need to Know

When looking for an exterior door for your home there are many things to consider. Three fundamental aspects must be taken into account.

The door has to be suited to the climate conditions where you live. It must be able to withstand rough climate conditions which may include heavy rain, storms, snow, and changing temperatures.

Security is also crucial. Your external doors are the primary barrier that protect your home and family from unwanted intruders.

Thirdly, aesthetic considerations are also important. You want your door to match the style of your house and be in sync with both exterior and interior design.

So the question is how do you choose a door that will be resistant to break-ins, last, and be aesthetically pleasing? Well, although some compromises may need to be made, you should be able to get a door that you’ll be satisfied with. These four common door types can act as a guide to your research and decision making.

Steel Door

The first and perhaps the most popular option is the steel door, because it’s the sturdiest, safest choice when it comes to entry doors. You can be sure that you’re getting a durable door that will serve you for many years. Additionally, steel doors are much better insulators than wooden doors, which is also a plus is you want to conserve energy during either extreme cold or heat.

They are usually cheaper, but also have cons – steel doors can be easily dented and scratches can lead to rust.

Fiberglass-Composite Door

Another good choice is the fiberglass-composite door – these are perfect for places with harsh or humid climates, because they are very durable and immune to many deteriorating elements.

It’s also a sturdy and long-lasting choice – it won’t rot, deteriorate or rust.

Wooden Doors

Wooden doors are a great choice because of their classic high-end look and the warm appearance they have. It’s a very common choice simply because a wooden door has that natural feel that other types just don’t.

But there are obvious cons – they tend to be expensive, absorb moisture easily and will fade sooner rather than later, and, most importantly, they aren’t very energy-efficient.

Aluminum Doors

Perhaps the most expensive option, along with the solid-wood doors, are aluminum doors. They, similarly to steel doors, use an insulation core covered by a metal skin. You usually won’t find an aluminum door in a retailer, as they are more often available only as a custom-made option, which is great, but it can also get quite expensive.

Whenever choosing a door, always take into account the climate conditions where you live – this should be a determining factor in deciding if you need a more enduring, insulating door, or if you can focus on other things like the external finish, wood used and design.

About Author

Jeremy is a content strategist at Five Star Locksmiths (Melbourne). Five Star Locksmiths provide 24 hour locksmith services in Melbourne’s CBD and its suburbs. Jeremy writes content that provides value to the readers.